Desert Research Institute

The Desert Research Institute like all arms of the Nevada System of Higher Education is on the table for major cuts from the state. DRI scientists conduct research in air, land and life, and water quality across Nevada and could see a reduction of $2 million from the $8.2 million it receives in state funds. DRI professors aren't like other schools in the system in that they are non-tenured and and responsible for their own salaries from external grants and contracts. Some DRI researchers say if the institute is folded into UNLV or another school they won't stick around because they are not tenured. We'll talk with DRI's president and two researchers at the institute about the future of DRI.